Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on energy and the environment

Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. Take a look at where each of them stands.

7. Michele Bachmann

Charlie Riedel
In this June 26, 2011 file photo, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. stands outside her childhood home in Waterloo, Iowa.

Energy production, fossil fuels

Would vastly expand oil and gas exploration offshore and on federal and private lands across the country by executive order, including Gulf of Mexico, Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, and offshore the mid-Atlantic states. 

Energy production, alternatives

Suggests that nearly two dozen subsidies for ethanol and biofuels should be reviewed with a “thoughtful discussion” in Congress. Has no clear position on Renewable Fuels Standard to boost ethanol use. Received a ‘D’ and two ‘F’s’ from Iowa corn-growers group. 

Climate change

Refers to climate science as “manufactured science.” Says carbon dioxide is a “natural byproduct of nature.” 

Environmental regulations

Would boost logging,  mining, and metals industries on federal lands by “repealing radical environmental laws that kill access to natural resources.” Seeks to reverse Environmental Protection Agency carbon regulations, dubs EPA a “jobs-killing agency.”

[Has withdrawn from the race]

7 of 7
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us